bill clinton was sworn in as the 42nd president in 1993, january 20. he beat the first president bush in the 1992 election, in which independent candidate ross perot got about 19% of the popular vote. this is about 20 minutes. [applause] >> governor, are you ready to take the oath? >> i am. >> would you please raise your right hand? i, william jefferson clinton, do solemnly swear that i will faithfully execute the office of president of the united states -- >> that i will faithfully execute the office of president of the united states -- >> and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the united states, so help me god. >> so help me, god. >> congratulations. [cheers and applause] ♪ ["hail to the chief" plays] [gun salute] >> we are getting ready to do it. ladies and gentlemen, the president of the united states of america, william jefferson clinton. [cheers and applause] >> my fellow citizens, today we celebrate the mystery of american renewal. this ceremony is held in the depth of winter, but by the words we s